Just when you start to see signs of spring in your Houston lawn, a late winter frost can threaten to undo all the progress. Those warmer days encourage your grass to start growing again, making it tender and vulnerable to a sudden dip in temperatures. A surprise frost can damage new growth, leaving you with brown, unhealthy patches just as the growing season begins.
Learning how to protect your lawn from frost is a key part of late winter lawn care. With a few simple, proactive steps, you can shield your grass from the cold and ensure it transitions smoothly into a lush, green spring. This guide provides practical tips to help you defend your turf against Houston’s unpredictable late-season cold snaps.
1. Water Your Lawn Before the Frost
One of the most effective ways to protect your lawn is to water it correctly. It might seem counterintuitive to add water before a freeze, but it works.
- How it Helps: Water your lawn thoroughly one to two days before a predicted frost. The moisture in the soil will absorb heat from the sun during the day and release it slowly overnight. This process can keep the ground temperature just slightly warmer, often enough to prevent frost from damaging the grass blades and their root systems. A well-hydrated lawn is a more resilient lawn.
2. Avoid Mowing Too Low
Your mowing habits leading up to a frost warning also play a role in your lawn’s defense.
- Leave Some Length: Avoid cutting your grass too short when cold weather is in the forecast. Longer grass blades provide more insulation for the crown of the plant, which is the most critical part for new growth. A slightly taller lawn can better withstand a light frost. Hold off on mowing until the danger of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently warmer.
3. Cover Vulnerable Areas
If you have newly seeded areas or particularly sensitive patches of grass, covering them offers the most direct protection.
- What to Use: For smaller areas, you can use frost cloths, burlap sacks, or even old bedsheets to cover the grass. Drape the covering over the lawn before sunset to trap the day’s warmth. Make sure to remove the covers first thing in the morning to allow sunlight and air to reach the grass, preventing any moisture-related issues.
4. Keep Off the Frozen Grass
This is one of the simplest yet most important rules to protect your lawn from frost.
- Why it Matters: When grass blades are frozen, they become brittle. Walking on a frosty lawn will cause the ice-coated blades to break and crush. This damages the plant’s cells, and you will likely see dead, brown footprints in your yard once the frost thaws. Advise everyone in your household to stay off the lawn until the sun has had a chance to melt the frost completely.
Your Lawn Care Partner in Houston
Protecting your lawn from a late winter frost ensures it gets a strong, healthy start for the spring. These simple preparations can make all the difference between a thriving green carpet and a yard struggling to recover from cold damage.
For all your late winter lawn care needs, visit Steinhauser’s. With multiple locations around Houston, we carry everything you need to prepare for spring, including premium fertilizers and lawn care tools. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right products to keep your lawn healthy and resilient. Stop by Steinhauser’s in Houston today and get your lawn ready for a beautiful season.